The Perfect Match
Electric Assist and Recumbent Cycle: Made for Each Other!
No other type of bicycle is as perfectly compatible with electric motors as a recumbent bike or trike. Why, is obvious: The ease of pedaling in the ergonomic sitting position makes the ride even more pleasant. The built-in aerodynamic advantage of your recumbent bike or trike can also be leveraged electrically. Less drag means more range. As a unique safety advantage our E-Trikes (electric tricycles) can be equipped with a turn signal!
Depending on which electric drive system on the bike or trike you pedal, a powerful motor supports you up to four times your pedaling power, depending on the system. With a smile on your face, you can climb the local mountain with a trailer or drive to work quickly and effortlessly.
Systems no longer in use (archive):
Especially remarkable is that the perfect pedaling experience does not change with the motor. Thanks to HP Velotechnik programming and impeccable engineering, there is no stuttering, no noise, and no delicate throttle. The e-drive is very safe and the support only starts when you want it to. It starts as soon as you pedal and ends subtly through electronic sensors when the trike reaches 25 km/h (16 mph) respectively for USA 32 km/h (20 mph, Class 1 electric bicycle).
This pre-programmed top speed allows your E-Bike or E-Trike to legally conform to a Pedelec (Pedal Electric Cycle) in Europe. It can be ridden in most EU countries without registration, helmet, or license plate. Once over 25 km/h (16 mph), your electric recumbent basically rides like a normal bicycle. (Higher supported speeds up to 45 km/h respectively 28 mph can be reached with our Scorpion fs 26 S-Pedelec and Speedmachine S-Pedelec. Furthermore, for the US market our regular (class 1) electric assist systems provide support up to 20 mph / 32 km/h.)
The light weight of the electric recumbent allows a normal riding feeling, even when the battery is drained. When climbing, our trikes have in addition the advantage that they keep their track even at slower speeds. If you stop at a traffic light, you even don’t need to set foot on the ground!
Drive Systems With Character
We Provide Extra Power for Your Trike
Find a solution tailored precisely to your needs.
As a buyer of one of our tricycles, you have a particularly wide choice, because a whole range of different drive systems provide extra power on your recumbent: for the Scorpion series and the Gekko family either the extremely quiet rear hub motor Neodrives Z20 which is also available for our recumbent two-wheelers or one of the three bottom bracket motors from Shimano’s STEPS series,which are transformed in the recumbent trike from a middle to a front engine. The STEPS systems are also on offer for the Delta tx, which is moreover exclusively available with the Bafang M300 electric drive.
For each of our electric motors up to three gear options are available to perfectly match the additional electrical power. This also applies to the Neodrives Z20 RS, which is available as a separate option exclusively for our Scorpion fs 26 S-Pedelec and Speeedmachine S-Pedelec.
Each of these four powerhouses has its own character – just like you. This enables us to offer you a solution that is exactly tailored to your needs. All systems have in common the low centre of gravity of the battery mounted below the seat. The E-Trikes can also accommodate a second battery. Just like a mini-dashboard the ergonomically arranged, easy-to-read operating elements facilitate the rider’s technical monitoring. You reach your destination relaxed, no matter if you want to leave the traffic jam behind or take a big tour with heavy luggage.
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Our Electric Drives
Combine our power units with the gearing that best suits your needs!
Shimano STEPS E5000
Shimano STEPS E6100
Shimano STEPS EP801 Cargo
This performance solution from the STEPS series is designed for hilly terrain and calls for performance and range on the drivetrain side. You have the choice between the automatic Shimano Cues Di2 derailleur gearing, the stepless shifting Enviolo Trekking Automatiq internal hub or the legendary 14-speed Rohloff Speedhub.
Neodrives Z20 & Z20 RS
Bafang M300
The basic version of the Delta tx is equipped with the M300 motor from Bafang. This smooth-running bottom bracket motor unleashes all its power regardless of your pedaling force as soon as you start pedalling. It almost feels like pulling a throttle: Relax, the Bafang motor gets you home even when your legs become tired. To fine-tune your level of support, you can set 5 different power levels with the controller at the handlebar.
Which Electric Drive Suits Me Best?
Our E-Assist Systems in Comparison
The Shimano STEPS E5000 has a very harmonious feel with a torque of 40 Nm. In combination with the 8-speed Sram X4 derailleur, you have a good companion for relaxed tours in moderately demanding terrain.
The basic version of the Delta tx comes with the M300 from Bafang. Regardless of how forcefully you pedal, it unleashes its power as soon as you start pedaling. This motor is also suitable for moderate terrain. Plus in comfort: If you choose the Enviolo Trekking Automatiq hub as addition to the Bafang motor, the gear ratio not only changes automatically, but even without steps!
If, on the other hand, you often drive in hilly terrain or in the city with frequent starts and stops, the STEPS E6100 with 60 Nm and the Nexus Di2 automatic transmission from Shimano is the perfect choice. Similar to the Enviolo hub, the rear hub shifts fully automatically even when stationary. Thus it offers maximum comfort and safety: You can fully concentrate on the road without having to think about shifting gears.
If you want endless power on the mountain or want to turn your trike into a packhorse, you will quickly become a fan of the STEPS EP801 Cargo system with 85 newton meters. Regardless of the torque specifications, which can only be compared to a limited extent, the most important factor for many people is how much thrust the engine develops at low speeds. Here, the EP801 Cargo version and the Neodrives hub motor go head-to-head.
Beyond all power comparisons, the Neodrives Z20 scores with a highly sensitively tuned driving behavior. Nature lovers will appreciate the practically inaudible power plant in the rear wheel.
In contrast to hub motors, the bottom bracket drive doesn’t know the meaning of overheating when driving slowly on a very steep mountain. On those uphill grades, you are always well protected with Shimano STEPS. By the way:comfortable uphill riding is an established engineering domain of our stable trikes.
All our electric assist systems offer impressive ranges. Invest even less thought into the location of your next power outlet with our optional extra battery. Neodrives wins the comfort rating in this exciting area. Instead of switching batteries, you simply switch a single cable.
Table technical data
Facts & Figures About Our Electric Drives
Bafang M300 | Shimano STEPS E5000 | Shimano STEPS E6100 | Shimano STEPS EP801 Cargo | Neodrives Z20 | Neodrives Z20 RS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Available for | Delta tx Trike | all tricycles except S-Pedelec | all tricycles except S-Pedelec | all tricycles except S-Pedelec | all two- and three-wheelers except S-Pedelec | |
Support | up to 25 km/h (16 mph, US-version 20 mph) | up to 25 km/h (16 mph, US-version 20 mph) | up to 25 km/h (16 mph, US-version 20 mph) | up to 25 km/h (16 mph, US-version 20 mph) | up to 25 km/h (16 mph, US-version 20 mph) | up to 45 km/h (28 mph) |
Push assist | up to 6 km/h (3.7 mph) | up to 6 km/h (3.7 mph) | up to 6 km/h (3.7 mph) | up to 6 km/h (3.7 mph) | up to 4 km/h (2.5 mph) | up to 4 km/h (2.5 mph) |
Reverse gear* | – | – | – | – | up to 3 km/h (1.8 mph), only for trikes | – |
Range** | n/a | up to 189 km (117 miles) (up to 463 km / 288 miles with additional battery, folding limited) | up to 177 km (110 miles) (up to 433 km / 269 miles with additional battery, folding limited) | up to 191 km (118 miles) (additional battery available, folding limited) | up to 136 km (up to 290 km / 180 miles with additional battery, folding limited) | up to 60 km (37.5 miles) (up to 120 km / 75 miles with additional battery, folding limited) |
Force amplification | 5 levels | 3 levels: Eco / Normal / High | 3 levels: Eco / Normal / High | 3 levels: Eco / Trail / Boost | 5 levels | 5 levels |
Noise level | silent bottom bracket motor | silent bottom bracket motor | silent bottom bracket motor | very silent bottom bracket motor | extremely silent hub motor | extremely silent hub motor |
Max. torque | 80 Nm (at the front motor) | 40 Nm (at the front motor) | 60 Nm (at the front motor) | 85 Nm (at the front motor) | 40 Nm (at the rear wheel) | 40 Nm (at the rear wheel) |
Rated power | 250 W | 250 W | 250 W | 250 W | 250 W | 400 W |
Maximum power | 550 W | 420 W | 400 W | 600 W | 450 W | 1000 W |
Support | independent of pedal power | up to 200% | up to 200% | up to 400% | up to 300% | up to 400% |
Battery | Bafang 43 V Li-Ion, removable, with lock | Shimano 36 V Li-Ion, removable, with lock | Shimano 36 V Li-Ion, removable, with lock | Shimano 36 V Li-Ion, removable, with lock | BMZ 36 V Li-Ion, removable, with lock | BMZ 48 V Li-Ion, removable, with lock |
Energy content | 450 Wh | 418 Wh | 418 Wh | 418 Wh | 576 Wh | 651 Wh |
Battery weight | 2,65 kg (5.8 lbs) | 2,6 kg (5.7 lbs) | 2,6 kg (5.7 lbs) | 2,6 kg (5.7 lbs) | 3,5 kg (7.7 lbs) | 4,2 kg (9.2 lbs) |
Battery life | 500 charging cycles | 800 – 1000 charging cycles | 800 – 1000 charging cycles | 800 – 1000 charging cycles | 800 – 1000 charging cycles | 800 – 1000 charging cycles |
Charger | Bafang 2 A | Shimano 2 A | Shimano 2 A | Shimano 2 A | BMZ fast charger 4 A | BMZ fast charger 4 A |
Charging time | 6.5 hours | 6.5 hours (3.5 hours 80%) without memory effect | 6.5 hours (3.5 hours 80%) without memory effect | 6.5 hours (3.5 hours 80%) without memory effect | 4 hours without memory effect | 4.5 hours without memory effect |
Charger weight | 0,6 kg (1.3 lbs) | 0,5 kg (1.1 lbs) | 0,5 kg (1.1 lbs) | 0,5 kg (1.1 lbs) | 0,85 kg (1.9 lbs) | 1,08 kg (2.4 lbs) |
Additional weight | – | ca. 8,2 kg (18.1 lbs) | ca. 8,5 kg (18.7 lbs) | ca. 8,1 kg (17.9 lbs) | ca. 8,7 kg (19.2 lbs) | – |
Display | Black/white display at handlebar | Black/white display above handlebar (Top View) | Black/white display above handlebar (Top View) | Color display above handlebar (Top View) | Black/white display above handlebar (Top View) or side of handlebars | Color display above handlebar (Top View) or side of handlebars |
Extras | Bluetooth interface, operating unit integrated in display | optionally with big battery pack (630 Wh) and fast charger (4 A; 2.5 hrs: 50%); on option: additional battery (630 Wh), Bluetooth interface (Gekko and Scorpion models) | optionally with big battery pack (630 Wh) and fast charger (4 A; 2.5 hrs: 50%); on option: additional battery (630 Wh), Bluetooth interface (Gekko and Scorpion models) | optionally with big battery pack (630 Wh) and fast charger (4 A; 2.5 hrs: 50%); on option: additional battery (630 Wh), Bluetooth interface (Gekko and Scorpion models) with Fine tune mode | Bluetooth interface, on option: additional battery (576 Wh) | Touchscreen, Bluetooth interface, on option: additional battery (651 Wh) |
* Function requires initial backward movement.
** Range as stated by manufacturer;
Shimano STEPS: Eco support mode, flat terrain, 23 km/h, system weight 105 kg (231 lbs), temperature 23°, standard battery with 418 Wh;
Neodrives Z20: 100 W rider input, support level 1, flat terrain, smooth roads, 70 kg (154 lbs) payload incl. rider; Neodrives Z20 RS: support level 3 in optimal conditions (flat terrain, temperature 20°, even ride, pedalling power rider 80 W, speed 39 km/h (24.2 mph); with support level 5 to approx. 40 km (24.9 miles).